Storage-providing support device

ABSTRACT

A support device capable of providing additional storage space in close-quarters, wherein the device can be hung from two points to provide a volume comprising the floor of the device and in some embodiments a vertical surface such as a wall to which the support device is attached, either by hooks affixed to the vertical surface, to by attachment to any two other stationary points. Items such as towels, laundry and various and sundry other items may be conveniently stored using the device.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates generally to storage. More particularly, it relates to an article useful in providing auxiliary storage space in an existing location.

BACKGROUND

In close quarters having limited storage space for various and sundry items including without limitation towels, laundry and other fabric wares, it is common for such areas to become cluttered. As is known, various storage means are provided by the prior art, including shelves, cabinets, armoires, racks, closets and the like. However, in areas of limited space such as apartments, condominiums, laundry rooms, mobile homes, etc., it is often the case that placing additional furnishings to accommodate increased needs for storage is impractical, due to limited floor space. Thus, persons dwelling or working in such areas are faced with the problem of never having enough storage space for neatly storing various items. Accordingly, a need exists for a way to provide additional storage space, quickly and at low cost, which should also be portable, yet durable enough to withstand years of repeated use. The present disclosure solves such problems by providing a durable article by which increased storage space is instantly attainable, at low cost and extreme ease of use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure provides a device useful for providing a supported storage space on a vertical surface which comprises a mesh portion having a perimeter that comprises two curved edges. There is a first perimeter reinforcement disposed substantially along the length of, and attached to, a first one of the two curved edges, and the first perimeter reinforcement has a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion and the second end portion of the first perimeter reinforcement each comprise a loop. There is a second perimeter reinforcement disposed substantially along the length of, and attached to, a second one of the two curved edges. The second perimeter reinforcement has a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion and the second end portion of the second perimeter reinforcement each comprise a loop. There is also a first attachment ring, which passes through both of the loops at the first end portion of the first perimeter reinforcement and the first end portion of the second perimeter reinforcement. There is also a second attachment ring, which passes through both of the loops at the second end portion of the first perimeter reinforcement and the second end portion of the second perimeter reinforcement.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the annexed drawings:

FIG. 1 shows an overhead view of a support device according to one embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 a shows a perspective view of a portion of a support device according to one embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 b shows a close-up of a perspective view of a portion of a support device according to one embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 c shows an overhead view of a support device according to one alternate embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 3 shows a side perspective view of a mesh useful in accordance with the disclosure, having a perimeter reinforcement attached thereto;

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a support device according to the disclosure mounted to a wall;

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a support device according to the disclosure mounted to a wall, and further showing a plurality of items to be stored;

FIG. 6 shows a close-up perspective view of a provision for attaching a device according to the disclosure to a mounting bracket; and

FIG. 7 shows a close-up perspective view of a provision for attaching a device according to the disclosure to a hook disposed on a vertical surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the drawings and initially to FIG. 1 there is shown an overhead view of a support device 10 according to one embodiment of the disclosure. In FIG. 1 is shown a mesh 3, which may be any mesh material including metal meshes, polymeric meshes, fiber meshes and other known mesh materials to fabrics, including woven fabrics and non-woven fabrics, but is preferably a fabric mesh such as burlap or cotton mesh, which may optionally be coated with a conventional protective resin. The mesh 3 which is preferably flexible, in one embodiment is shaped as shown in FIG. 1 and thus has a perimeter that comprises two curved edges. Along one of the perimeter edges is disposed a first perimeter reinforcement 5 a having a first end portion 10 a and a second end portion 11 a. There is also a second perimeter reinforcement 5 b having a first end portion 10 b and a second end portion 11 b. The first end portion 10 a of the first perimeter reinforcement 5 a and the first end portion 10 b of the second perimeter reinforcement 5 b each comprise a loop at their ends, through which is commonly disposed a first attachment ring 7 a. The first attachment ring 7 a provides a point of attachment for a first mounting strap 9 a to be connected to device 10. The second end portion 11 a of the first perimeter reinforcement 5 a and the second end portion 11 b of the second perimeter reinforcement 5 b each comprise a loop at their ends, through which is commonly disposed a second attachment ring 7 b. The second attachment ring 7 b provides a point of attachment for a second mounting strap 9 b to be connected to device 10. The first attachment ring 7 a and second attachment ring 7 b are preferably comprised of metal, but may comprise any material, including polymers, that is of sufficient strength to provide support as described herein, and may be of any shape, including circular, oval, D-shaped, rectangular, triangular, or any polygon shape, regular or irregular.

FIG. 2 a shows a perspective view of a portion of a support device 10 according to one embodiment of the disclosure, including the respective locations of the mesh 3, first perimeter reinforcement 5 a, second perimeter reinforcement 5 b, second end 11 a of the first perimeter reinforcement 5 a, second end 11 b of the second perimeter reinforcement 5 b, and second attachment ring 7 b. This FIG. 2 a shows the second attachment ring 7 b commonly disposed through the loops at the end portions of the first perimeter reinforcement 5 a and second perimeter reinforcement 5 b.

In FIG. 2 b is shown a close-up of a perspective view of a portion of a support device 10 according to one embodiment of the disclosure, including the respective locations of the mesh 3, first perimeter reinforcement 5 a, second perimeter reinforcement 5 b, second end 11 a of the first perimeter reinforcement 5 a, and second end 11 b of the second perimeter reinforcement 5 b. This FIG. 2 b shows how the loop in the end portion 11 b is formed according to one embodiment, with the end portion of the second perimeter reinforcement 5 b being looped through the attachment ring 7 b and being disposed in alignment with a portion along the length of itself, and attached thereto, preferably by stitching. However, other means of attachment are suitable, including all conventional methods of attachment, including rivets, snaps, buttons, and adhesives.

In FIG. 2 c is shown an overhead view of a support device 10 according to one alternate embodiment of the disclosure. A support device 10 according to the disclosure includes a mesh portion comprising a perimeter that comprises two curved edges. There may also be a first end portion 77 and second end portion 79 of the mesh 3, and when present, these end portions 77, 79 may be provided with a third perimeter reinforcement 5 c and a fourth perimeter reinforcement 5 d. The third perimeter reinforcement 5 c and fourth perimeter reinforcement 5 d are analogous to the perimeter reinforcements 5 a and 5 b in function and feature as described in FIG. 3 below. Each of the third perimeter reinforcement 5 c and fourth perimeter reinforcement 5 d have a first end portion and a second end portion, and in a preferred embodiment the first end portion of the third perimeter reinforcement 5 c is attached to the first perimeter reinforcement 5 a along its length (by stitching) and the second end portion of the third perimeter reinforcement 5 c is attached to the second perimeter reinforcement 5 b along its length (by stitching), and the first end portion of the fourth perimeter reinforcement 5 d is attached to the first perimeter reinforcement 5 a along its length (by stitching) and the second end portion of the fourth perimeter reinforcement 5 d is attached to the second perimeter reinforcement 5 b along its length (by stitching). Such an arrangement finishes or protects the exposed edge of the mesh 3 and adds further structural strength and load-bearing capacity to a finished support device 10 as provided.

In FIG. 3 is shown a side perspective view of a mesh 3 useful in accordance with the disclosure, having a perimeter reinforcement such as 5 a or 5 b attached thereto. Thus, according to one embodiment, a perimeter reinforcement is comprised of fabric and is u-shaped as viewed from the side perspective, and may be woven fibers, whether natural or synthetic, with woven nylon being preferred. However, any fabric or other reinforcing material of strength sufficient for enabling a device 10 provided hereby capable of supporting at least about 10 pounds is suitable. In another embodiment, the material is selected to enable a device 10 provided hereby capable of supporting at least about 20 pounds. In another embodiment, the material is selected to enable a device 10 provided hereby capable of supporting at least about 40 pounds. In another embodiment, the material is selected to enable a device 10 provided hereby capable of supporting at least about 50 pounds. In another embodiment, the material is selected to enable a device 10 provided hereby capable of supporting at least about 100 pounds. Thus, the perimeter reinforcements may also comprise Kevlar, nylon, or other polymers. One purpose of the perimeter reinforcements 5 a, 5 b are to keep the edge portion 25 of the mesh 3 from fraying after repeated use, and to provide a support device 10 herein to be machine-washable. Another purpose is to provide support via the end portions 10 a, 10 b, 11 a, 11 b of the perimeter reinforcements 5 a, 5 b being attached to the attachment rings 7 a, 7 b. Thus it is seen that a construct as provide herein provides many simultaneous benefits. The perimeter reinforcements 5 a, 5 b are preferably attached to the mesh 3 by stitching 33, as shown. In particular embodiments, the perimeter reinforcements are substantially rectangular, or rectangular, and are folded over the edges of the mesh 3 on its perimeter edges as shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a support device 10 according to the disclosure mounted to a wall 37 by means of its attachment rings 7 a and 7 b (not numbered) being attached to a mounting bracket of a conventional towel bar 35, disposed in a laundry room, bathroom, or other location. The respective locations of the mesh 3, and perimeter reinforcements 5 a, 5 b are shown. Thus it is seen that a support device 10 according to one preferred embodiment provides a space S, above the mesh 3 upon which various and sundry items may be placed for storage, as shown more clearly in FIG. 5, wherein items 69 such as towels or other materials may be stored.

In FIG. 6 is shown a close-up perspective view of a provision for attaching a device according to the disclosure to a mounting bracket 39, which is a conventional towel bar mounting bracket. The mounting strap 9 a is shown looped over the mounting bracket 39 and held in place by a conventional buckle 71. However, other conventional fastening methods/apparatus may be employed, including without limitation snaps, hooks and eyelets, hook-and-loop fasteners such as VELCRO® fasteners, and tying with string or laces.

In alternate embodiments, the mounting straps 9 a and 9 b are optional, and are not used, but rather the first attachment ring 7 a and second attachment ring 7 b are attached directly to hooks that are disposed on a vertical surface, such as a wall, and in further embodiments, the first attachment ring 7 a and second attachment ring 7 b may be attached directly to hooks that are disposed on any surface, horizontal or vertical, or disposed on any object, such as a shower curtain hook, the aforesaid serving as points of attachment for an attachment ring component on a device 10 as provided herein. In another alternate embodiment, mounting straps 9 a, 9 b may be attached to hooks or other fixtures which are mounted on a vertical surface, such as the hook 83 in FIG. 7. Thus, a device 10 according to this disclosure finds a wide variety of utility in a wide range of settings, which include without limitation: in homes, apartments, college dormitories, hospitals, military installations, recreational vehicles, tents, nursing homes, institutions for assisted living, mobile homes, aircraft, and watercraft.

Consideration must be given to the fact that although this invention has been described and disclosed in relation to certain preferred embodiments, obvious equivalent modifications and alterations thereof will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in this art upon reading and understanding this specification and the claims appended hereto. This includes subject matter defined by any combination of any one of the various claims appended hereto with any one or more of the remaining claims, including the incorporation of the features and/or limitations of any dependent claim, singly or in combination with features and/or limitations of any one or more of the other dependent claims, with features and/or limitations of any one or more of the independent claims, with the remaining dependent claims in their original text being read and applied to any independent claims so modified. This also includes combination of the features and/or limitations of one or more of the independent claims with features and/or limitations of any other independent claim to arrive at a modified independent claim, with the remaining dependent claims in their original text being read and applied to any independent claim so modified. Accordingly, the presently disclosed invention is intended to cover all such modifications and alterations, and is limited only by the scope of the claims which follow. 

1) A device useful for providing a supported storage space on a vertical surface which comprises: a) a mesh portion comprising a perimeter that comprises two curved edges; b) a first perimeter reinforcement disposed substantially along the length of, and attached to, a first one of said two curved edges, said first perimeter reinforcement having a first end portion and a second end portion, said first end portion and said second end portion of said first perimeter reinforcement each comprising a loop; c) a second perimeter reinforcement disposed substantially along the length of, and attached to, a second one of said two curved edges, said second perimeter reinforcement having a first end portion and a second end portion, said first end portion and said second end portion of said second perimeter reinforcement each comprising a loop; d) a first attachment ring, which passes through both of said loops at said first end portion of said first perimeter reinforcement and said first end portion of said second perimeter reinforcement; and e) a second attachment ring, which passes through both of said loops at said second end portion of said first perimeter reinforcement and said second end portion of said second perimeter reinforcement. 2) A device according to claim 1 further comprising: f) a first mounting strap attached to said first attachment ring. 3) A device according to claim 2 further comprising: g) a second mounting strap attached to said second attachment ring. 4) A device according to claim 1 further comprising: f) a mounting strap attached to said second attachment ring. 5) A device according to claim 1 wherein said mesh portion comprises a woven fabric. 6) A device according to claim 1 wherein said mesh portion comprises a non-woven fabric. 7) A device according to claim 1 wherein said perimeter reinforcements are comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of: cotton and nylon. 8) A storage area comprising: a) a vertical surface; b) a first point of attachment disposed on said vertical surface; c) a second point of attachment disposed on said vertical surface; d) a mesh portion comprising a perimeter that comprises two curved edges; e) a first perimeter reinforcement disposed substantially along the length of, and attached to, a first one of said two curved edges, said first perimeter reinforcement having a first end portion and a second end portion, said first end portion and said second end portion of said first perimeter reinforcement each comprising a loop; f) a second perimeter reinforcement disposed substantially along the length of, and attached to, a second one of said two curved edges, said second perimeter reinforcement having a first end portion and a second end portion, said first end portion and said second end portion of said second perimeter reinforcement each comprising a loop; g) a first attachment ring, which passes through both of said loops at said first end portion of said first perimeter reinforcement and said first end portion of said second perimeter reinforcement; and h) a second attachment ring, which passes through both of said loops at said second end portion of said first perimeter reinforcement and said second end portion of said second perimeter reinforcement, wherein said first attachment ring is attached to said first point of attachment, and wherein said second attachment ring is attached to said second point of attachment, said storage space being bound by said vertical surface and said mesh portion. 9) A storage area according to claim 8 wherein said first point of attachment and said second point of attachment are each disposed at opposite ends of a towel rack. 10) A storage area according to claim 8 wherein said first point of attachment and said second point of attachment are each hooks disposed on said vertical surface. 11) A storage area according to claim 8 wherein said first attachment ring is attached to said first point of attachment by a mounting strap, and wherein said second attachment ring is attached to said second point of attachment by a mounting strap. 